Investigation of the Cathodic Protection Potential Distribution on the Exterior of Steel Tank Bottom

摘要

In this study, a 3-D mathematical model considering medium nonuniformity is established to determine the cathodic protection potential distribution on the exterior of steel tank bottom. Six anode placement methods practically used in industry are investigated, including vertical anodes around tank bottom, horizontal anodes under tank bottom, deep-well anodes, inclined well anodes, tape anodes and net anodes. For each method, various influential factors, such as soil resistivity, bitumen sand base, setting parameters of anodes, tank bottom diameter, and surface condition of tank bottom metal are studied and compared. The present results are of practical value in determining the reasonable cathodic protection system parameters and buried position of the anodes.